“Words can be like X-rays if you use them properly – they’ll go through anything.” — Aldous Huxley, Brave New World
Kick back with a warm cup of your favorite beverage and read something new. Each is inspired by the latest weekly writing prompt. Read alongside your neighbors and friends and don’t hesitate to add supportive comments on the work that resonates with you!
That Last Party by Duane L. Herrmann
It was stuffy inside. I don’t even know why I went. Oh. Jurgen felt inadequate to be a host and begged me to come. He … Continue reading That Last Party by Duane L. Herrmann
Party Like it’s 2022 by Kathy Barlow
When you have a mix of introvert and extrovert traits, social events cause jumbled feelings of fear, anticipation, and excitement, so much so that it … Continue reading Party Like it’s 2022 by Kathy Barlow
Party by Jenna Audlin
“Come on, let’s go! You haven’t been out of the dorm in forever!” I focus on the paper in front of me. “I have to … Continue reading Party by Jenna Audlin
My Special Place by Duane L. Herrmann
There is a place I go with an entrance through which I emerge into a room of green: green carpet at my feet, green walls … Continue reading My Special Place by Duane L. Herrmann
The Long and Winding Road by Kathy Barlow
I am a sucker for song lyrics, perhaps because other’s words so often describe the melancholy or joy I feel in my soul, or it’s … Continue reading The Long and Winding Road by Kathy Barlow
School Campus by Jenna Audlin
The prompt inspiring this story is to describe a setting not many others know about as if it were a world unto itself. But, I’m … Continue reading School Campus by Jenna Audlin
Hopes & Fears for the Future by Duane L. Herrmann
My hope for the future is that each human being will recognize their spiritual nature and know that the purpose of life here is to … Continue reading Hopes & Fears for the Future by Duane L. Herrmann
Liberating Words by Duane L. Herrmann
“God takes care of the results,” she said. “All God expects of us, is to make an effort.” WOW!!! Stars exploded in my heart. All … Continue reading Liberating Words by Duane L. Herrmann
Batteries Not Included by Jenna Audlin
It’s Christmas morning, running down the stairsThrowing wrapping paper ‘round without a careIt all looks fun, but when it’s time to playLooking at the package, … Continue reading Batteries Not Included by Jenna Audlin
An Adirondack Lullaby by Edward Pontacoloni
The other day I was listening to one of my Pandora stations when they played the Brahms lullaby, you know the one that goes la … Continue reading An Adirondack Lullaby by Edward Pontacoloni
Our Christmas “Moose” by Linda Freedland
Most families have wonderful holiday traditions that they remember with fondness. And most try to keep their tradition going. Our family also had a tradition. … Continue reading Our Christmas “Moose” by Linda Freedland
An Adirondack Holiday by Edward Pontacoloni
There is in the Adirondacks a rare and special holiday that we celebrate, but that is known by only a very few. The native peoples … Continue reading An Adirondack Holiday by Edward Pontacoloni
Gift Surprise by Duane L. Herrmann
My family celebrates Ayyám-i-Há, a period of four days, or five in leap years, of special hospitality, philanthropy, parties, and gift giving. Because these days … Continue reading Gift Surprise by Duane L. Herrmann
The Perfect Christmas Tree? by June Kosier
“The perfect Christmas tree? All Christmas trees are perfect.” -Charles N. Barnard, Christmas 1972 One of the TV movies from 1972 was The House Without … Continue reading The Perfect Christmas Tree? by June Kosier
Christmas in an RV by Jenna Audlin
My family has moved around a few times, and it always seems to be during the holidays. Last Christmas, my family of three people and … Continue reading Christmas in an RV by Jenna Audlin
One Cold Hike by Duane L. Herrmann
I was on my way to my son’s wedding. I lived in Kansas, he lived in Israel. I was out of money, so he arranged … Continue reading One Cold Hike by Duane L. Herrmann
The Gore Gondola by Edward Pontacoloni
In addition to the famed Teddy Roosevelt Museum, there is in the Hamlet of North Creek, in the Town of Johnsburg, Warren County, New York, … Continue reading The Gore Gondola by Edward Pontacoloni
Giving Thanks for the Applause by Kyle Massa
When I was about 10 years old, I read an original short story to my entire family at Thanksgiving dinner in Syracuse, New York. It … Continue reading Giving Thanks for the Applause by Kyle Massa
CLARA AND THE MOUNTAIN by Edward Pontacoloni
On this day, I took my two-year-old granddaughter to climb my mountain when everyone said that it couldn’t be done. I gave her a short … Continue reading CLARA AND THE MOUNTAIN by Edward Pontacoloni
Tools with no Attachment by Duane L. Herrmann
“Write about a tool which you don’t know much about and have no emotional attachemet to.” That is the assignment. But, I don’t have things … Continue reading Tools with no Attachment by Duane L. Herrmann
Sacrifice of Service by Duane L. Herrmann
My father was too young for the war, he watched the older boys in the neighborhood go off, but he could not, so he lived. … Continue reading Sacrifice of Service by Duane L. Herrmann
An “Extra” Hour by Linda Freedland
Ah, an extra hourSuch heavenly bliss in the morningI roll over and go back to sleepfor an hourThen up to have my coffeeHuh. No coffeeOhForgot … Continue reading An “Extra” Hour by Linda Freedland
Time Disruption by Duane L. Herrmann
Growing up on a farm, after my father put me on a tractor at 13 to help him with the field work, I spent most … Continue reading Time Disruption by Duane L. Herrmann
Your Clock, My Clock by June Hannay Kosier
“I must govern the clock, not be governed by it.” — Golda Meir When my daughter, Andrea, was small she always woke up about 6AM … Continue reading Your Clock, My Clock by June Hannay Kosier
My Costume No More by Bridget Cole
“Mom, you’ve got to get a job like Jody’s, so you can wear clothes like hers! Courtney said when she saw her aunt still dressed … Continue reading My Costume No More by Bridget Cole
Out of the Closet by Mary Perrin Scott
Color draws me tothe clothes rackSale or no salecolor ignites meA brightly painted tuxedo shirthanging in the gift shopThe Denver Art Museuma quick stop to … Continue reading Out of the Closet by Mary Perrin Scott
The Costumes We Wear by Linda Freedland
Costumes are not just for Halloween. Often, the costumes we wear define us. Policemen, firefighters, doctors. Until I began working, I never understood how your … Continue reading The Costumes We Wear by Linda Freedland
Rainy Days by Duane L Herrmann
When I was a boy rainy days were special days, holidays actually, especially in summer. A rainy day meant that Daddy could not work in … Continue reading Rainy Days by Duane L Herrmann
It Was Just Raining by Linda Freedland
I sat underneath our gazebo on our deck. I knew I should move indoors but it was too lovely out here to move. The rain … Continue reading It Was Just Raining by Linda Freedland
One Hundred Elephants by June Hannay Kosier
Things aren’t always what they seem. You should never “assume” anything because it makes an “ass” of you and “me”. You can’t judge a book … Continue reading One Hundred Elephants by June Hannay Kosier
WHEN IT RAINS by Edward Pontacoloni
When it gently rains, We do not hear the winging of butterflies, Nor the wafting, iridescent wings of fairies nor The slow crawl of the … Continue reading WHEN IT RAINS by Edward Pontacoloni
If I Had Only Known by Duane L. Herrmann
If I had known, when I turned sixteen, that during the next year my father would die, I would have done so much so differently, … Continue reading If I Had Only Known by Duane L. Herrmann
Nothing Said is Best by Linda Freedland
Sometimes, even with our best friends, we need to keep our mouths shut. Don’t be too honest, and don’t tell them everything. That’s certainly the … Continue reading Nothing Said is Best by Linda Freedland
Rights, responsibilities, risks, rewards, regrets…. by Kathy Barlow
Regrets can take many forms – that opportunity not taken, that relationship which collapsed, the hurt feelings from harsh words – and each category can … Continue reading Rights, responsibilities, risks, rewards, regrets…. by Kathy Barlow
I wish I never said… by Bridget Cole
If I could take back the words I’ve said, these three would be the ones.“You’re not petite.” I said those to my mother as she … Continue reading I wish I never said… by Bridget Cole
Honesty Is the Best Policy by June Hannay Kosier
“It does not require many words to speak the truth.” – Chief Joseph I am not known for having a foul mouth. Nurses are sometimes … Continue reading Honesty Is the Best Policy by June Hannay Kosier
Surprise in the Woods by Duane L Herrmann
I am now the owner of a slice of the farm where I grew up seventy eyars ago. This slice is bound on the east … Continue reading Surprise in the Woods by Duane L Herrmann
No Picnic Today by Linda Freedland
Jon was an interesting blend of Grizzly Adams and Bear Grylls. A collector of weaponry, with an arsenal of guns, bows and arrows, knives and … Continue reading No Picnic Today by Linda Freedland
The Clue in the Eyes by June Hannay Kosier
The detective looked at the dead body with the vacant eyes found in the forest and tried to evade his thoughts for the moment. Too … Continue reading The Clue in the Eyes by June Hannay Kosier
What I’m Trying to Leave Behind by Duane L. Herrmann
I am trying to let go and abandon the negative things my mother said to and about me when I was a child. Her most … Continue reading What I’m Trying to Leave Behind by Duane L. Herrmann
My Future by Bridget Cole
Finally I have made the choice to stand up to an abusive husband. For years I suffered in silence. I accepted his verbal abuse, his … Continue reading My Future by Bridget Cole
The Cookie Jar by June Hannay Kosier
This piece was written in the Spring of 2020 “People have got to learn: if they don’t have cookies in the cookie jar, they can’t … Continue reading The Cookie Jar by June Hannay Kosier
Reflection on an Overcast Morning by Rex Trobridge
An overcast dims the morning light, the top of 6th Lake Mountain obscured by cloud. The birds call out, in warning or in joyful greeting, … Continue reading Reflection on an Overcast Morning by Rex Trobridge
Storms by Joni Youse
Flurries begin, ever so slowlyIntensity increases, blinding white powderCovering the ground as you covered meOne touch at a timeUntil the sky is exhaustedThe first storm … Continue reading Storms by Joni Youse
The First Storm of the Year by Samantha Terrell
Creeps up the esophagus,Tickles the ear canal,Heightens awareness.A stray leafBlowing across the streetSuddenly seems significant.Clouds forming overhead buildMore than anticipation.Now, there is expectation –Hope, that … Continue reading The First Storm of the Year by Samantha Terrell
New Year Snow Day by Duane L Herrmann
It was the first storm of the year, two days after Naw-Ruz, the first day of spring, the first day of a new year. The … Continue reading New Year Snow Day by Duane L Herrmann
A Gathering of Storms by Randy Kritkausky
It was the first storm of the year, and all of those who wished to be big names in the coming hurricane season were gathered … Continue reading A Gathering of Storms by Randy Kritkausky
The Wadzoosen by Edward Pontacoloni
It was the first big storm of the year, and it caught Abe and Ginger unawares while they were lost hiking in the Five Ponds … Continue reading The Wadzoosen by Edward Pontacoloni
To Shovel or Not to Shovel by June Hannay Kosier
Back in the early ‘80s, my husband, John, worked on the grounds crew at the Albany County Airport. That meant when it snowed, he drove … Continue reading To Shovel or Not to Shovel by June Hannay Kosier
Elizabeth’s Nightmare by June Kosier
It doesn’t pay to read to your daughter before bed and then have a glass of wine while watching the 10:00 news on a stormy … Continue reading Elizabeth’s Nightmare by June Kosier
Marianne No Longer Travels with Me by June Kosier
Before I retired, I was a dialysis nurse at the VA and belonged to a professional group known as the ANNA which stood for the … Continue reading Marianne No Longer Travels with Me by June Kosier
Brother & Sister #2 by Leslie Sittner
“Jeez, Hon, this reminds me of the lower east side at home in New York City. Check it out!” My Fellow agrees with a smile … Continue reading Brother & Sister #2 by Leslie Sittner
A GHOSTLY VACATION IN THE ADIRONDACKS by Edward Pontacoloni
The ghost of Harold Harwood haunts the Hamlet of Ironville in Essex County, New York, The hamlet is just a neighborhood, really: the Congregational Church … Continue reading A GHOSTLY VACATION IN THE ADIRONDACKS by Edward Pontacoloni
A Vacation I’d Rather Forget by Duane L. Herrmann
I don’t want to associate the experience with the word ‘vacation,’ but it was a trip away from home. Many details of that nightmare trip … Continue reading A Vacation I’d Rather Forget by Duane L. Herrmann
Strangers Passing Through Town by Duane L. Herrmann
“Mabel! Mabel!” John excitedly jostled his wife in bed sound asleep as soon as he got to his home in Phillipsburg, Kansas. He hadn’t yet … Continue reading Strangers Passing Through Town by Duane L. Herrmann
Untitled by Leslie Sittner
ascertain-assiduous-derivative-existential-plethora-prudent-Sisyphean-subsequent-trepidation-worrisome At first he knew that it was an existential problem—that sadly, a worrisome decision he must make. While he was normally assiduous in his … Continue reading Untitled by Leslie Sittner
Ma by June Kosier
I would like to tell you about my great grandmother. Her name is June, but everyone in our house calls her “Ma”. I am her … Continue reading Ma by June Kosier
Library Post card by Duane L. Herrmann
It was a library, an ancient one, I could tell by the style of the shelves and stairs. No library like that had been built … Continue reading Library Post card by Duane L. Herrmann
Escape Haiku by Leslie Sittner
No warning. Card says“Arrive Friday for a week”Too bad we’ll be gone
Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind.” by June Kosier
Calvin CoolidgeChristmas In July The last post card I received was an antique one commemorating the poem “Twas the Night Before Christmas” I did not … Continue reading Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind.” by June Kosier
To Peggy Across the Universe by Diane Kendall Stevens
I’m writing to you to see how you are, thankful that we’ve found a way to communicate across this vast distance between us and eager … Continue reading To Peggy Across the Universe by Diane Kendall Stevens
Writing to Artemin Prime by Duane L. Herrmann
Dear Xrjot, Earth is having a bit of a time now. The climate is going out of balance, but the people and corporations with money … Continue reading Writing to Artemin Prime by Duane L. Herrmann
Unlikely Friends by Leslie Sittner
November 5, 1963 Dear Jerome, Thank you so much for passing me your full address at the prison today. I’m not sure if it is … Continue reading Unlikely Friends by Leslie Sittner
In the Waiting Room by Karen M. Titherington
“But, I’m the patient!” She met the eyes of a stranger in the waiting room in an oncology center. He was coughing and resting simultaneously. … Continue reading In the Waiting Room by Karen M. Titherington
What is This Age? by Duane L. Herrmann
“We’re in an age of transition,” the man remarked to his companion as they passed by me. I didn’t know what transition they were talking … Continue reading What is This Age? by Duane L. Herrmann
The Invasion by Leslie Sittner
“So sad. So very sad. But there’s hope for recovery.” She’s slowly shaking her head as her ancient German shepherd tugs on his leash. Her … Continue reading The Invasion by Leslie Sittner
“Dodging the bullet” by Linda Freedland
“You know I’d love to have you both over for dinner, but my oven and stove died.” This statement was uttered by a woman, seated … Continue reading “Dodging the bullet” by Linda Freedland
The Right Combination by Nancy Kimball
“I forgot the combination.” A comment I overheard in the ladies locker room at the local Y. The facility had just opened the locker … Continue reading The Right Combination by Nancy Kimball
Ode to this Desk by Amy Quinn
This desk isn’t much to look at. It’s not a show-stopper like the one behind me: blond maple with a black laminate in-laid surface, two … Continue reading Ode to this Desk by Amy Quinn
Sight Unseen by Joni Youse
You are the second thing I reach foreach morning, rolling overstill cocooned in the last few moments of sleep.Metal appendage, glass covered in fingerprints.Mine, yours, … Continue reading Sight Unseen by Joni Youse
Seeds Of Gratitude by Mary Perrin Scott
The month is MarchPackets of possibility arriveThe seed trays are waitingCarefully little seedsAre planted in the trayOf cups. Gently watered The sunroom nurturesTheir daily growth … Continue reading Seeds Of Gratitude by Mary Perrin Scott
Ode to My Coffee Maker by T. Mary Tallon
Oh classic Cuisinart coffee maker, how I adore theeFor each morning you beckon me out of slumberWith your, not too loud so as to wake … Continue reading Ode to My Coffee Maker by T. Mary Tallon
Ode to our kitchen table by Kathy Barlow
We gathered round the kitchen table,Complete with six strong chairs,Confident we had learnt the fableOf how a family fares.Built from ash hewn miles away,When furniture … Continue reading Ode to our kitchen table by Kathy Barlow
STACKS FROM TREES by Duane L. Herrmann
It is paper,it is treeschewed upreconstitutedinto thin, flat sheetsthat fill my roomin stacks and stackswith little order,but they are minechosen by mefor some purposeI may, … Continue reading STACKS FROM TREES by Duane L. Herrmann
The Vagaries of Memory by Leslie Sittner
Memory dissolves life eventsor freezes them in timeor floods them with confusionor drowns them in denial Memory can chip away at consciencecan harden the heartcan … Continue reading The Vagaries of Memory by Leslie Sittner
Goodbye Daddy by Joni Youse
I don’t dare to stay long…I said to the mirrorI never wanted tosay goodbye to youI never wanted youto see me cryYou are goneyet you … Continue reading Goodbye Daddy by Joni Youse
One Last Adventure by Duane L. Herrmann
Two men were out for a drive. They could have been father and son, but were not. They were just friends, the younger one taking … Continue reading One Last Adventure by Duane L. Herrmann
The Cake by Linda McKenney
The house was deeply quiet as everyone was asleep. Leaving the coolness of the window fan in her bedroom, she slinked out the door into … Continue reading The Cake by Linda McKenney
Fireflies Among the Bedrock by Linda Freedland
I sat, overlooking the green lush hills of Sorrento. I came here to escape. Escape the rejection, the humiliation of a marriage in shambles, the … Continue reading Fireflies Among the Bedrock by Linda Freedland
As My Mother Told Me by Duane L. Herrmann
It was an early summer evening. The sun had just set. In the gradually increasing darkness, little lights began to rise from the tall grass. … Continue reading As My Mother Told Me by Duane L. Herrmann
Schroon Lake Haiku by Leslie Sittner
one-room log cabinisolated in the woodsout-house, spring water darkness. the bonfirefireflies guide us to the dockwhere we catch sunfish toast fish on a stickover fire. … Continue reading Schroon Lake Haiku by Leslie Sittner
Operation: Investigation – Exo-three by Duane L. Herrmann
“Gorak!” Barked Team Leader soundlessly. “If you don’t comply, you’ll be sent back and someone else will finish this Observation!” “Yes, Your Most Excellent Expediency,” … Continue reading Operation: Investigation – Exo-three by Duane L. Herrmann
THE FLAVOR OF VINEGAR by Nicky Falck
When Richard ate a pickled red pepper on a dare, it did not invoke a similar degree of risk had he agreed to bungee jump … Continue reading THE FLAVOR OF VINEGAR by Nicky Falck
Proctor is a Mean Old Man by Duane L. Herrmann
“I dare you to write the truth about Mr. Proctor,” Jimmy taunted. “All right. I will!” Terry exclaimed. ‘No. Don’t do it.” Siri protested. ‘Mr. … Continue reading Proctor is a Mean Old Man by Duane L. Herrmann
Every Person Would be Taught by Duane L. Herrmann
If it were up to me every person would be taught that this life is a preparatory stage for our real life after death. Just … Continue reading Every Person Would be Taught by Duane L. Herrmann
The Thief Amnesia by Edward Pontacoloni
I can’t remember my password,or even ever my user Id.My circumstances are awkward.Google doesn’t remember me,and I can’t recall myself. All around are remnants of … Continue reading The Thief Amnesia by Edward Pontacoloni
Chronic Small Vessel Brain Disease and the Fisher by Leslie Sittner
My grandsons and I are hiking around in hot July woods with the dog when, “Boys, maybe we’ll see this unusual wild creature I’ve seen … Continue reading Chronic Small Vessel Brain Disease and the Fisher by Leslie Sittner
Cheetos, the Pig and I by Linda Freedland
I was fine until that virtual wine tasting. The host suggested we all put together a tray of plain, unseasoned crackers, some type of charcuterie, … Continue reading Cheetos, the Pig and I by Linda Freedland
I, Me, Mind by Edward Pontacoloni
“Hey, whaddya doin? Didn’ I tell you that you can’t eat that junk food?” “Wahddya mean? You’re the one with the weight problem, not me.” … Continue reading I, Me, Mind by Edward Pontacoloni
If Dreams Could Come True by June Hannay Kosier
Reaching for a bag of Lay’s potato chips, I see another hand reaching for the same bag. I look at the person attached to the … Continue reading If Dreams Could Come True by June Hannay Kosier
Encouraging Words by Duane L. Herrmann
I was in the store getting a few things. I reached up to grab a bag of chips and, out of the corner of my … Continue reading Encouraging Words by Duane L. Herrmann
The Reflection by Kathy Barlow
The small plane hovered on the horizon, mostly obscured by the trees in the full fall foliage. The plane was festooned with yellow, gold, and … Continue reading The Reflection by Kathy Barlow
An ordinary life: Meeting Up With Myself by Eilene Susan Wenner
It was quite unexpected, and yet my sister and I have talked about this moment when I was in my twenties. Why I would be … Continue reading An ordinary life: Meeting Up With Myself by Eilene Susan Wenner
Contest Winner by Duane L. Herrmann
I was flabbergasted to be asked to judge the pie contest this year. What an honor! I’d been making pies since I was a little … Continue reading Contest Winner by Duane L. Herrmann
Whoops! by Carol Schupp Star
Apple pieCherry PiePumpkin pieBlackberry pieGaloreEating all no choreAnnual hometown pie contestNo more, no less!But what’s this?Who’s gagging?Mrs. Smith?Oh no!If it weren’t for the pie!We don’t … Continue reading Whoops! by Carol Schupp Star
The Pie Revenge by Ted Cox
I’m not quite sure, but I seem to be lying on my back on the floor with people standing around me and I’m passing in … Continue reading The Pie Revenge by Ted Cox
Piezazz by Edward Pontacoloni
Editor’s note: The following narrative is by Homer Agee, the judge of the 2020 Warren County Harvest Fair pie contest. Mr. Agee did not know … Continue reading Piezazz by Edward Pontacoloni
A Poisoned Pie by B.L. Miller
The annual pie contest in Starglow took place every 8th of May. Somehow, I got roped into being one of the judges this year. There … Continue reading A Poisoned Pie by B.L. Miller
Poisoned Pie Contest by Jane VanCantfort
Nannie Doss’ Award Winning Apple Prune Pie The county fair was back in full force this year, they had cancelled it when the pandemic struck, … Continue reading Poisoned Pie Contest by Jane VanCantfort
Hazards of Pie Contests by Eilene Susan Wenner
Ate some pies;Then I died;Don’t know why;A person would try;to kill some judges;who only desired;to give out some ribbons;to the best local pie-er; The hospital, … Continue reading Hazards of Pie Contests by Eilene Susan Wenner
Let’s look forward to the future together
Help ACW continue to support you through the coming months. The future might feel overwhelming, but ACW is committed to infusing joy into your life with upcoming programming! With your continued support, ACW can offer new online classes every month, story nights, a discussion series, writing workshops for teens, and more for all ages.
Make this winter amazing for the ACW family. Be a part of ACW. Give now.
adirondackcenterforwriting.org 